Promising new year for emerging IT tools

InfoWorld's Michael Vizard makes a list of 10 technologies
to watch in 1999.

(IDG) -- As we enter 1999, some things obviously are going to make a
huge impact. At the top of that list are year-2000 conversions, Internet
commerce, outsourcing, and the continued expansion of enterprise resource
planning applications.

But once you get past that list, there are 10 other technologies that
will be worthy of your attention in 1999.

Right now, Linux is a movement. But Microsoft is creating demand for
a robust PC server operating system that it is unable to fulfill with
Windows 2000. Look for Linux to get support from chief information officers
across IT organizations.

Data marts are nice to have, but they won't be truly useful until
we have next-generation knowledge management tools to make sense of
data.

Auction technology pioneered by eBay will foster new corporate applications
that will fundamentally change business relationships.

With cable modems and Digital Subscriber Lines helping to drive demand
for more improved home networking, look for an exponential increase
in demand for remote access.

Speech-recognition technology will improve to the point where gaming,
adult-oriented, and Internet telephony sites all make use of the technology.
And whatever people have at home, they are also going to want it in
the office.